In front of a large crowd of roughly 1,500 at the Temple Gardens Centre, the Regina Pat Canadians delivered another dramatic overtime victory, defeating the Moose Jaw Warriors 4–3 in Game 2 to take a 2–0 lead in the best‑of‑five SMAAAHL Championship series.
The atmosphere was exciting from puck drop, and the game lived up to every bit of the hype — and once it again took extra time to determine a winner – the 5th time in six regular season and playoff meetings between the two teams.
After a scoreless first period, the game erupted in the second. Moose Jaw opened the scoring on the power play 2:51 into the period, but Regina responded instantly. Just nine seconds after the Warriors’ goal, Maddox Schultz buried a goal under the back bar to tie the game 1–1.
Moments later, Nathan Gardiner walked in all alone on a feed from Schultz, giving Regina its first lead of the night, But Moose Jaw answered back midway through the period, sending the teams into the third tied 2–2.
Moose Jaw regained the lead early in the third with a shorthanded marker, putting Regina on its heels. But as they’ve done all postseason, the Pat Canadians found another gear late.
With just under four minutes remaining, Makai Martin — who continues to deliver in big moments — hammered home the tying goal to make it 3–3. Martin’s ninth of the playoffs sent the game to OT for the second consecutive game this series..
Overtime was tense and both teams traded chances throughout the overtime period but nobody could beat goaltenders Ben Meyer or Steven Wawryk.
But when the moment came, Liam Pue seized it.
At 11:35 of overtime, Pue showed great patience and poise — walking around a laid‑out Moose Jaw defender, then outwaiting goaltender Steven Wawryk before sliding home the winner. It was a highlight‑reel finish and one of the most composed playoff goals you’ll see at any level.
The Canadians fans erupted as the Pat Canadians poured over the boards to celebrate the 4–3 victory.
Series Shifts to Game 3 — Pat C’s Look to Close It Out
With the win, Regina now leads the series 2–0 and has a chance to earn their 2nd consecutive SMAAHL title on home ice. But it will not be easy. 6 games this season all decided by one goal – 5 in overtime. Moose Jaw will be ready and the Pat Cs will have to respond.
Game 3 goes Wednesday at 7:45 PM at the Co-operators Centre.
Another big crowd is expected and tickets are selling fast. Click the link to purchase.
